Lab Manager & Chemist
Crest Ultrasonics — Ewing, NJ | Full-Time |
Client is seeking an experienced Lab Manager & Chemist to lead our chemistry business and applications laboratory. This is a hands-on, customer-facing technical role ideal for a chemist who enjoys problem-solving, process development, and building relationships with customers across diverse industries — medical device, aerospace, electronics, precision manufacturing, and more.
You'll manage day-to-day lab operations, oversee formulation and performance testing of cleaning chemistries, run customer lab trials, host visiting customers, and work closely with our sales team to support new business development and existing account growth.
Key Responsibilities
Lab & Chemistry Business Management
- Manage overall lab operations, including scheduling, chemical/consumables inventory, and lab safety compliance
- Own and grow the chemistry product line — formulation oversight, quality control, and performance tracking
- Maintain SDS/MSDS documentation, chemical inventory logs, and regulatory compliance records (EPA, OSHA, DOT, etc.)
- Continuously evaluate and improve cleaning chemistry formulations based on customer feedback and industry trends
Customer Lab Trials & Testing
- Design, run, and document customer lab trials evaluating ultrasonic cleaning processes, chemistries, and equipment performance
- Perform cleanliness testing and analysis
- Develop trial protocols tailored to customer specs, industry standards, and cleanliness requirements
- Prepare clear, professional trial reports and recommendations for customers and the sales team
Customer Hosting & Support
- Host customers onsite for lab demonstrations, trials, and technical consultations
- Serve as the technical resource during customer visits — explaining cleaning processes, chemistry selection, and equipment capabilities
- Provide responsive technical support via phone/email on chemistry usage, troubleshooting, and process optimization
Sales & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with the sales team on technical aspects of new project opportunities
- Support proposal development with trial data, technical write-ups, and chemistry specs
- Help identify upsell/cross-sell opportunities within existing accounts
- Participate in sales calls, trade shows, or customer meetings as the technical/chemistry subject matter expert
Requirements
- Hands-on experience in a chemistry, formulation, or applications lab role
- Comfortable in a customer-facing capacity — hosting clients, presenting technical findings, and communicating clearly with non-technical stakeholders
- Experience with lab operations, inventory, and safety/compliance practices
- Open to candidates with a wide range of experience levels — what matters most is hands-on chemistry/lab background and the ability to work directly with customers
Preferred
- Experience with ultrasonic cleaning equipment and processes
- Familiarity with cleanliness testing standards (IPC, ISO, ASTM)
- Prior experience in a customer-facing technical or applications engineering role
- Experience supporting a sales team with technical documentation or trial data
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements (EPA, OSHA, DOT) for industrial chemicals
Skills & Attributes
- Hands-on, curious problem-solver who enjoys lab work and testing
- Strong customer service orientation and professional presence
- Collaborative team player who works well cross-functionally with sales and operations
- Detail-oriented with strong documentation and reporting habits
- Self-motivated and comfortable managing lab priorities independently